Experimental study and numerical simulation of transverse tensile behavior for thermoplastic glass fiber reinforced plastics

In order to predict the mechanical behavior of thermoplastic composites, the phases of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) were discretized within the computational micromechanics framework. This approach incorporated the random distribution of fibers, nonlinear matrix behavior, and interface damage behavior in a synergistic manner. Subsequently, a three-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) model was established. To verify the accuracy of the numerical model, macroscopic transverse tensile experiments on GFRP were designed. Building upon this foundation, a detailed study on the damage failure of GFRP under transverse tensile loads was conducted to reveal the damage evolution mechanisms. Furthermore, the influence of the random distribution of fibers, nonlinear characteristics of the matrix, and interfacial parameters on the transverse damage mechanical behavior of GFRP was elucidated. The results demonstrate that the random distribution of fibers significantly affects the damage initiation point and crack evolution path. Moreover, GFRP with higher interfacial performance exhibits substantially improved transverse tensile strength compared to those with lower interfacial performance.